The Effect of Maximal Speed Ability, Pacing Strategy and Technique on the Finish-Sprint of a Sprint Cross-Country Skiing Competition

Purpose: The aims of this study were to investigate the contribution from maximal speed (Vmax) and %Vmax to the finish-sprint speed obtained in a cross-country (XC) sprint in the classical and skating style, as well as the coinciding changes in kinematic patterns, and the effect of pacing strategy on the %Vmax. Methods: Twelve elite male XC skiers performed two 80-m Vmax tests on flat terrain using the classical double poling and skating G3 techniques, followed by four simulated 1.4-km sprint time-trials, performed with conservative (controlled start) and positive (hard start) pacing strategies in both styles with a randomized order. In all cases, these time-trials were finalized by sprinting maximally over the last 80-m (the Vmax-section). Results: ~85% of Vmax was obtained in the finish-sprint of the 1.4-km competitions, with Vmax and %Vmax contributing similarly (R2=51-78%) to explain the overall variance in finish-sprint speed in all four cases (P